Anthony Joshua could be set for a return to the O2 Arena in late March if terms can finally be agreed with Joseph Parker.
Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn is increasingly “confident” of a fight after weeks of discussions over the purse split.
Parker’s team initially demanded 40 per cent of the purse and are now calling for 35 per cent for the WBO champion amid a blaze of publicity stunts.
Hearn is refusing to go so high but said they are “closer” and revealed that the unification bout, if it was to happen, would likely head to London’s O2 Arena, where the WBA and IBF champion has not fought since June 2016.
Hearn told Sportsmail: “We are certainly closer than we were. We have spoken a lot with their team and we are within touching distance, so it is just about getting all parties happy and agreed. I’m confident we will and the aim would be for the end of March.
“The location could be the O2 and what a great return that would be. Our aim has always been for three fights in 2018 and that means March and the weather means going indoors.
“The O2 has been great to AJ so it’s a strong possibility, if we can get everything else lined up.”